RESETTING Jack and the Beanstalk in a Victorian circus takes a virtuoso leap of imagination.

Writer Tony Lidington’s retelling resulted in an impressive Big Top stage set, complete with ropes, swings and a circus ring. Maximising the use of the vertical space, the five performers told of a circus family torn apart following a mishap during an act.

With musicians dressed as clowns, a pantomime camel rather than a cow, and acrobatics instead of dance routines, the reset plot was helped along by the dramatic narration of Ringmaster Harry Coco, played by Jake England-Johns.

Gary Bridgens gave a delightfully masculine performance as "Dame" Ida bean, an unlikely former trapeze artist, whose partner in the ill-fated double act had been the highly glamorous Hettie Heinz.

Turned to evil by the unfortunate events, Natalie Verhaegen’s baddie hissed heavily accented lines and milked a maniacal laugh for all it was worth. Her most remarkable contribution, however, was a saxophone solo performed while suspended upside down.

The "Jack" responsible for selling the family camel for magic beans was also part of an acrobatic duo, Jack and Jilly, played respectively by Lawrence Swaddle and Emily Essery.

Essery’s singing voice far outshone the rest of the cast, though Ida’s rendition of All About That Base was comically memorable. Five local youngsters formed the Sprouting Bean Chorus who added dramatic support throughout.

Other highlights included the Human Canonball scene, Jack and Jilly gymnastically climbing their way around the boxes in the auditorium, the Giant puppetry, and pantomime camel Belle, whose antics gave rise to the traditional “it’s behind you” game.

For lovers of a glamorous musical panto with an abundance of Christmas sparkle, Richmond’s seasonal production may not feel sufficiently extravagant. It is, however, good family fun – an original show with plenty of audience participation and good clean humour.

Christina McIntyre